Amyloidosis and multiple myeloma are two rare conditions that affect the blood and the immune system. Although they share some similarities in their symptoms and treatments, they are distinct diseases with different causes and outcomes. The link is plasma cells: in one common type of amyloidosis, called AL amyloidosis, abnormal plasma cells make protein fragments that clump in organs, and these same plasma cells are involved in multiple myeloma. This page explains the link between amyloidosis and multiple myeloma, the symptoms of each, how they are diagnosed, how they are treated, and how supportive care is offered alongside medical treatment.
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Amyloidosis and multiple myeloma at a glance
- Amyloidosis: build-up of abnormal protein (amyloid) in organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves and gut.
- Multiple myeloma: a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, causing bone damage, anaemia, kidney problems and infections.
- The link: AL amyloidosis arises from abnormal plasma cells; it can occur on its own or alongside myeloma, and some people with myeloma develop amyloid.
- Shared clues: fatigue, swelling, breathlessness, numbness, kidney trouble and easy bruising.
- Care: specialist haematology treatment aimed at the plasma cells; supportive care for organs and wellbeing.
What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a group of conditions in which abnormal proteins fold incorrectly and deposit as amyloid in tissues, damaging organs over time. The main types are AL (light-chain) amyloidosis, which comes from abnormal plasma cells; AA amyloidosis, which follows long-term inflammation; and ATTR amyloidosis, which involves the transthyretin protein and can be inherited or age-related.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, the antibody-making white blood cells in the bone marrow. The abnormal plasma cells crowd out healthy blood cells, make an abnormal antibody (M protein), weaken bones and can damage the kidneys.
How are amyloidosis and multiple myeloma linked?
In AL amyloidosis, a small clone of abnormal plasma cells makes light chains that form amyloid. Some patients with AL amyloidosis also have multiple myeloma, and a proportion of patients with myeloma develop amyloid deposits. Both are plasma cell disorders and are tested and treated by haematologists, often with similar medicines.
| Feature | AL amyloidosis | Multiple myeloma |
|---|---|---|
| Main problem | Protein deposits damage organs | Plasma cell cancer damages bones, marrow and kidneys |
| Typical symptoms | Fatigue, swelling, breathlessness, numbness, enlarged tongue, bruising around the eyes | Bone pain, fractures, anaemia, infections, kidney problems |
| Key organs | Heart, kidneys, liver, nerves | Bones, bone marrow, kidneys |
| Blood and urine tests | Serum free light chains, M protein | M protein, free light chains, calcium, creatinine |
| Confirmation | Biopsy stained with Congo red and typing of amyloid | Bone marrow biopsy, imaging for bone disease |
Symptoms
Symptoms of amyloidosis may include fatigue, swelling of the legs, ankles or feet, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and skin changes such as purpura or easy bruising. Symptoms of multiple myeloma may include bone pain or fractures, fatigue, anaemia, frequent infections and kidney problems.
How they are diagnosed
- Blood and urine tests: serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation and serum free light chains
- Blood counts, kidney and liver function, calcium and cardiac markers (troponin, NT-proBNP)
- Bone marrow biopsy for plasma cells
- Tissue biopsy from fat, bone marrow or an affected organ, stained with Congo red
- Echocardiogram and cardiac MRI, and nerve tests, to assess organ damage
- Skeletal imaging (low-dose CT, MRI or PET-CT) for myeloma
Treatment
- Medicines that target the plasma cells: proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib, antibody therapy such as daratumumab, immunomodulatory drugs, steroids and chemotherapy
- Autologous stem cell transplant for suitable patients
- Treatment of organ damage: heart failure and kidney care, pain control and bone-strengthening medicines
- Infection prevention and vaccines
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the outcomes and quality of life for patients with amyloidosis and multiple myeloma
Supportive care and healthy habits
Patients should also adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise as advised, a balanced diet and stress management. Welling Homeopathy offers supportive care for people with plasma cell disorders alongside haematology treatment, never instead of it. See: homeopathy treatment of amyloidosis and homeopathy treatment of multiple myeloma.
Frequently asked questions about amyloidosis and multiple myeloma
1. What is the link between amyloidosis and multiple myeloma?
AL amyloidosis is caused by abnormal plasma cells, the same cell type involved in multiple myeloma. The two can occur together, and some people with myeloma develop amyloid.
2. What are the symptoms of amyloidosis?
Fatigue, swelling, breathlessness, numbness or tingling, easy bruising, an enlarged tongue and kidney or heart problems.
3. What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?
Bone pain or fractures, fatigue, anaemia, frequent infections and kidney problems.
4. How is AL amyloidosis diagnosed?
With blood and urine light-chain tests, a bone marrow biopsy and a tissue biopsy showing amyloid, followed by tests of organ involvement.
5. How is amyloidosis treated?
By treating the abnormal plasma cells, often with myeloma-type medicines, and by supporting the heart, kidneys and other organs.
6. Is multiple myeloma curable?
It is usually not curable at present, but treatment can control it for years, with new medicines improving outcomes.
7. Can homeopathy help amyloidosis or myeloma?
Welling Homeopathy offers supportive care alongside haematology treatment, not instead of it.
8. Which doctor treats amyloidosis and myeloma?
A haematologist, with cardiologists and nephrologists for organ involvement.
Related Reading
- Blood Cancer: Early Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Advancements in Bone Marrow Transplant: A ray of hope for Blood Cancer Patients
- Homeopathy Specialist for Cancer
- Understanding Cancer Care at Welling Homeopathy
- Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- 4 Step Cancer Treatment at Welling Homeopathy: Supportive Care Alongside Your Oncology Treatment
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
